a 301 question........

I love this 301 that I got at a Salvation Army thrift store, in a nice cabinet, for 32.00 and I have sewn a LOT of quilts on it.............BUT...when I am sewing along, and need to stop, take my knee off of the control, it doesnt stop....it sews on, for about 6 more stitches.........is this a common thing for a 301, or do I have a problem, and if it is, how do I fix it?

Judy, retired RN, alias 4 dogs and in the mountains of western North Carolina.

This is how older machines work. They don't come to a complete stop automatically, you need to get used to that and work with it. You may want to double check the contacts and foot control, however, as it sounds like the foot control may be a bit stuck somewhere. It is normal for the machine to run a few stitches until it stops, but you can make sure it's doing what it should by double checking the status of the foot control.

None of my older machines (electrics dating from the mid 30's thru 70's) make so much as 1 stitch after I release the pedal. And I have a good variety of machines....Singers, Kenmores, Whites, Nationals. If yours is stitching AT ALL after you release pressure on your foot (or knee) control, I'd think the controller either needs a good cleaning or replaced.

I guess I need to add that I sew pedal to the metal at full throttle. I don't sew slow. So, yes, for my machines to come to a full stop there is an extra stitch or so. I use many different foot controls that have all been maintained and that is not the issue. Speed and the mechanics of the machine are what cause this. Especially if it's a belt driven machine.